Instructions Concerning Women

Transcription

1 Instructions Concerning Women A Self Study guide By: Brent Kercheville

2 Instructions Concerning Women Lesson 1 The Worthy Woman (Proverbs 31:10-31): You have likely read this passage many times previous to this study. As you read each section of text, determine what characteristic the worthy woman exhibits and write down things you can do to practice this characteristic. 10 Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good and not evil All the days of her life. - What characteristics are found in the worthy woman from these verses? - What things can you do so the heart of your husband safely trusts you? - What do you think are the good things that she is doing for him all the days of her life? What do you think are the evil things that she is not doing for him all the days of her life? 13 She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar. - What characteristic is found in the worthy woman from these verses? 2

3 - Why do you think she seeks wool and flax? How can we make application of this today? 15 She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants. - What characteristic is found in the worthy woman from this verse? - Why do you think she rises at night? How can we make application of this today? 16 She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard. 17 She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms. 18 She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night. 19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle. The distaff is a staff, about which the wool is wrapped, which is spun, and is held in the left hand. - What characteristics are found in the worthy woman from these verses? - Does this woman seem to have poor or good financial sense? What other abilities do you see? How can we make application today? 20 She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. - What can we do to practice this characteristic? 3

4 Instructions Concerning Women Lesson 2 The Worthy Woman (Proverbs 31:10-31) continued: 21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet. 22 She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. What characteristic is found in the worthy woman from these verses? Make practical applications for today. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. What practical things can be done so that your husband is a spiritual leader and spiritual success? 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies sashes for the merchants. What characteristic is found in the worthy woman from this verse? What are practical things that can be done today to fulfill this characteristic? 4

5 25 Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness. What characteristics are found in the worthy woman from these verses? What things can you do now so that strength and honor are your clothing, your mouth is full of wisdom, and your tongue is the law of kindness? 27 She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: 29 Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all. What characteristics are found in the worthy woman from these verses? Why do the children and husband praise her and call her blessed? What practical things can be done today so your husband and children will call you blessed? 30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates. What emphasis is placed in the worthy woman s life? 5

6 Instructions Concerning Women Lesson 3 1 Peter 3:1-6 Instructions for Daily Living: 1 Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. Notice Thayer s definition of submissive: A Greek military term meaning "to arrange [troop divisions] in a military fashion under the command of a leader". In non-military use, it was "a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden". 1. Verse 1 begins, Wives, likewise or Wives, in the same way. Read 1 Peter 2:21-25 and notice that wives are to be submissive in the same way that Christ was submissive. List the characteristics described of Christ in 1 Peter 2:21-25 that exhibited submissiveness: 2. Because Christ was submissive, does this mean he had no authority? Does it mean He had no rights? Does it mean that He had no responsibilities? What does it mean that Christ was submissive? How does this answer apply to wives? 3. Verse 1 cannot be saying for wives not to teach their husbands the gospel. So what does it mean when Peter says that husbands are to be won without a word? 6

7 4. What conduct can wives perform that would win their husbands? Be specific. 3 Do not let your adornment be merely outward--arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel-- 4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror. 5. What is specifically described as very precious in the sight of God? Why do you think this is so precious to God? 6. What adornment must women concern themselves with most? Is this happening today? What can be done to obey this command? 7. How did holy women in the past trust in God? How is this showing trust in God? 8. Explain why women would want to be daughters of Sarah (vs. 6). What benefits are there from being daughters of Sarah? 9, What characteristics of Sarah are an example for women to model themselves today? (Also consider Hebrews 11:11-13) 7

8 Instructions Concerning Women Lesson 4 Acts 9:36-43 The example of Tabitha: 36 At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. 37 But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. 39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 41 Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. 43 So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner. 1. List the spiritual characteristics of Tabitha. 2. What specific things was Tabitha doing for the saints? 3. What practical lessons do we learn? What can we do to be like Tabitha? Luke 8:1-3 The example of women: 1 Soon afterwards he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, 2 as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 8

9 3 and Joanna, the wife of Herod s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources. 4. What were these women doing for Jesus and his disciples? 5. What are some practical things that you can do which would model the example of these women? Acts 16:11-15 The example of Lydia: 11 Therefore, sailing from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and the next day came to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, which is the foremost city of that part of Macedonia, a colony. And we were staying in that city for some days. 13 And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there. 14 Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. 15 And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay. So she persuaded us. 6. What had the women come together to do? Also, what spiritual characteristic was present with Lydia? 7. What lessons can we learn from the example of Lydia? What practical things can we do to model ourselves after the example of Lydia? 9

10 Instructions Concerning Women Lesson 5 1 Timothy 5:3-16 Learning from True Widows 3 Honor widows who are really widows. 4 But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety at home and to repay their parents; for this is good and acceptable before God. 5 Now she who is really a widow, and left alone, trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. 6 But she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives. 7 And these things command, that they may be blameless. 8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1. Though these are listed as characteristics of true widows, should these instructions also considered characteristics of all women, just as the qualifications of an elder should be the characteristics of all men? Why? 2. a. List the characteristics of a true widow from verses 3-8: b. What are practical things can you do to have these characteristics in your life? 3. What does it mean in verse 6, she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives? Does this mean that a woman is not to have any fun? 10

11 9 Do not let a widow under sixty years old be taken into the number, and not unless she has been the wife of one man, 10 well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work. 11 But refuse the younger widows; for when they have begun to grow wanton against Christ, they desire to marry, 12 having condemnation because they have cast off their first faith. 13 And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not. 14 Therefore I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the house, give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully. 15 For some have already turned aside after Satan. 16 If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows. 4. Define the following characteristics of a true widow. Then list practical ways to fulfill these characteristics. Well reported of good works: Lodged strangers: Washed the saints feet: Relieved the afflicted: Diligently followed every good work: 11

12 5. Paul listed characteristics to avoid in verse 13. Define the characteristics and list practical ways to avoid these characteristics: Idle: Wandering about from house to house: Gossips and busybodies: Saying things which they ought not: 6. In verse 14, Paul describes what younger widows ought to do. Define these characteristics and practical ways to fulfill them: Manage the house: Give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully: 12

13 Instructions Concerning Women Lesson 6 1 Timothy 2:9-15 Instructions to Women: 9 in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10 but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works. 11 Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. 12 And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. 15 Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control. 1. Define the following words: Modest: Propriety: Moderation: 2. What does Paul give as the overriding guideline as to what is proper apparel for women? 3. Verse 11 has often been misunderstood. Notice the following translations of verse 11: Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness (ESV). A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. (NASU). What we need to see is that the word silence does not mean to not say a word. Using these translations as well as a Bible dictionary, what does the word silence mean? Discuss some practical applications of this command. (Be sure to note that nothing in this passage suggests that this is referring to the worship service. Wherever a woman is to be modest is where they are learn quietly with all submissiveness. ) 13

14 4. Verse 12 also has often been misunderstood. Many say this commands women not to teach men. Others say it mean that women must always maintain the attitude of submissiveness and quietness. To understand this verse consider the following information: Singing is teaching (Col. 3:16). Does this mean that women cannot sing with men so they do not teach them? Can you name women teachers in the New and Old Testament? Can you name women prophets in the New and Old Testament? Were these teachers and prophetesses in violation of this command? Is there a way to teach and still remain in subjection? Also consider that the word silence in verse 12 is the same word in verse 11 and therefore has the same meaning. Do women say things that are instructive in every day conversations to men? Is there a way for a woman to teach and still be submissive? Is there a way for a woman to teach and not be submissive? Please also notice that this section of text cannot refer to only in worship. Wherever women are to be modest is the same place that they are to not to teach or to have authority over a man. Verse 8 says these things are to be done in every place. Study these things and draw your own conclusion. Consider that the things taught in the past on these verses may be correct or incorrect. Write your study notes below and be prepared to discuss in class. 14

15 Instructions Concerning Women Lesson 7 Proverbs to Women: For each of the following proverbs, write down the meaning of the proverb. Then write down practical applications that can be made to today s woman. Also consider ways that you can fulfill the proverb. (Proverbs 14:1) The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish pulls it down with her hands. - What are ways that a woman can build her house? - What are ways that a woman can pull down her house? (Proverbs 19:13-14) A foolish son is the ruin of his father, And the contentions of a wife [a quarrelsome wife] are a continual dripping. {14} Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers [parents], But a prudent wife is from the LORD. - How is a quarrelsome wife a continual dripping? - How does a woman exhibit prudence? (Prov 21:9) Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop [roof], Than in a house shared with a contentious [quarrelsome] woman. (Prov 21:19) Better to dwell in the wilderness [desert], Than with a contentious and angry [quarrelsome and ill-tempered] woman. - What does a quarrelsome woman do to the inhabitants of her house? 15

16 - List some things that women do that would be consider contentious and would have this effect upon the inhabitants of the house: (Prov 11:16) A gracious [kindhearted] woman retains honor, But ruthless men retain [gain only] riches. - Why does a kindhearted woman retain honor? - What are some things that show a woman to be kindhearted? (Prov 11:22) As a ring of gold in a swine's snout, So is a lovely woman who lacks discretion. - What is the meaning of this proverb? - What is discretion? How does a woman show discretion? (Prov 15:16-17) Better is a little with the fear of the LORD, Than great treasure with trouble. {17} Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, Than a fatted calf with hatred. - What should a woman focus upon? - What problems do riches cause in a home? (Prov 30:7-9) Two things I request of You (Deprive me not before I die): {8} Remove falsehood and lies far from me; Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food allotted to me 16

17 [my daily bread]; {9} Lest I be full and deny You, And say, "Who is the LORD?" Or lest I be poor and steal, And profane the name of my God. - What is righteous about this attitude? 17

18 Instructions Concerning Women Lesson 8 Titus 2:3-5 Paul s Instructions to Older and Younger Women 3 the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things-- 4 that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. 1. Define the following characteristics that are commanded to be present in all women. Then write down ways to practice these characteristics. Reverent in behavior: Not slanderers: Not given to much wine: Teachers of good things: Love their husbands: Love their children: Discreet: 18

19 Chaste: Homemakers: Good: Obedient to their own husbands: 2. Why are women commanded to have all of these attributes? 1 Timothy 3:11 The Wives of Deacons 11 Likewise their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. 3. Define the following characteristics that are commanded to be present in all women. Then write down ways to practice these characteristics. (Note: the first two characteristics were listed above and thus are not listed below). Temperate: Faithful in all things: 19

20 Instructions Concerning Women Lesson 9 Ephesians 5:21-24 Wives and Husbands 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God. 22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. 1. Define submit. Give practical examples of what it means to submit to your own husbands. 2. What does it mean for wives to submit as to the Lord? 3. List and discuss some daily activities and decisions where submission is necessary: 4. Does submission mean that wives do not get an input in the decision making process? Explain. 5. Read the following passages and write down others who we are to be subject to. Be sure to write down practical ways that we are subject to each of your answers. Romans 13:1; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13 20

21 Ephesians 5:24 James 4:7 1 Peter 5:5 1 Corinthians 16:15-16 Ephesians 5:25-33 Husbands and Wives Submission goes both ways in a marriage relationship. Now that you have noticed how wives are to subject to their husbands, consider how husbands are subject to their wives. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. 30 For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. 31 For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. 6. Noticing verse 25, how are husbands to love their wives? Explain this imagery. 21

22 7. Explain the statement in verse 28, he who loves his wife loves himself. How is this true? 8. Verse 33 concludes the discussion. What final admonitions are given to husbands and wives? 22

23 Instructions Concerning Women Lesson 10 The Importance of Women in the Lord s Body In this lesson we will notice how important women were in the functioning and working of a local church in New Testament times. Many women have the belief that they are not supposed to do any work for a local church except cleaning and teaching children. As you read the following scriptures, note what the women were doing and write down practical ways to model these women. Romans 16: I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, 2 that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also. 3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. 5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia to Christ. 6 Greet Mary, who labored much for us. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. 8 Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved. 10 Greet Apelles, approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. 11 Greet Herodion, my countryman. Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. 12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have labored in the Lord. Greet the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren who are with them. 15 Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. 1. What does it seem that Phoebe was doing in the church at Rome? 2. Write down all the women that are listed in these verses. If possible, write down the work they were doing in Rome. 23

24 Philippians 4:1-3 1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved. 2 I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. 3. Explain what Paul is saying in verse 2. How can women in the Lord s body apply this today? 4. What were the women doing in Philippi, according to verse 3? Discuss how you can model these women today. Acts 1: And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. 14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. 5. What were the women doing in this passage? Where were they? Various passages: Acts 17:4 And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas. Acts 17:12 Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men. Matthew 27:55 And many women who followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to Him, were there looking on from afar, 24

25 56 among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee s sons. Luke 24:1 Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. Luke 24:10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who told these things to the apostles. 6. Do we learn anything about the prominence of women found in these verses? Were women important to the work of the Lord? 25

26 Instructions Concerning Women Lesson 11 Luke 10:38-42 Mary and Martha 38 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus feet and heard His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me. 41 And Jesus answered and said to her, Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her. 1. Try to put yourself in Martha s shoes and you are having Jesus over to your house. What do you think Martha was doing when the passage says she was distracted with much serving? 2. Does Martha s complaint seem reasonable? Do you think you would have felt the same way? 3. Explain Jesus response. What had Martha done wrong? Explain your answer. Do you ever make the same mistake as Martha? 4. What is the one thing that is needed? What is the good part? Do we see in our lives that there is only one thing needed? Have you chosen the good part? 5. Do you think Mary did not see all the serving and work that Martha was doing? Was she being selfish for not helping? 6. Write down any final lessons and applications you learn from this event: 26

27 Instructions Concerning Women Lesson 12 Luke 14:7-14 Hospitality 7 So He told a parable to those who were invited, when He noted how they chose the best places, saying to them: 8 When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place, lest one more honorable than you be invited by him; 9 and he who invited you and him come and say to you, Give place to this man, and then you begin with shame to take the lowest place. 10 But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, Friend, go up higher. Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you. 11 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. 1. What had those who were invited done wrong? How can we do this today? Think of applications for today. 2. What does Jesus teach us to do? How does this apply today? Write down practical situations where you can obey Jesus command. 3. Explain verse Then He also said to him who invited Him, When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. 13 But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. 14 And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just. 4. Here Jesus teaches us true hospitality. How does Jesus define true hospitality in this text? 27

28 5. What are practical situations where you can practice this kind of hospitality today? 6. What will be your reward? 1 Peter 4: Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 7. Are we truly being hospitable if we are grumbling? What causes grumbling? How can grumbling be avoided? 1 Timothy 3:2 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; 8. One of the qualifications of an elder is that he is hospitable. How can you help your husband meet this qualification? What are things you can do to encourage this characteristic? 28

29 Instructions Concerning Women Lesson 13 James 3 Controlling the Tongue 1 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. 2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Indeed, we put bits in horses mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. 4 Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. 8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? 12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh. 1. According to verses 3-5, how powerful is the tongue? Also, explain the images given in these verses. 2. Describe the damage the tongue can do to a person. Can you think of any personal situations where you damaged others with your tongue or were damaged by another s tongue? 3. Describe the encouragement the tongue can do to a person. Can you think of any personal situations where you were uplifted because of another s tongue? 29

30 4. What is wrong if we are blessing God with our tongue, while cursing people with the same tongue? 5. Write down practical things that you can do to control the tongue: Ephesians 4:29-32 Rules for the Tongue 29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you. 6. According to verse 29, what are corrupt words? 7. What are the only words that ought to come from our mouths? Explain what Paul means. 8. How else should we use our tongue, according to this passage? 30